Entertainment

Three holiday events for giving

Holiday giving

The best part of the holiday season is that people tend to open their hearts not just to their families and friends but to people around their community in need. Three charity events this week could benefit from such generosity.

The Healing Center, which helps victims of sexual violence, will hold its 4th Annual Hope Shining Gala from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the Bradley Pavilion of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. Attendees will be feted with food, live music and a silent auction. They also will get to hear from survivors willing to speak about their experiences. Tickets are $70 with proceeds going to programs to help sexual violence victims recover. Call (414) 219-4778.

WGIRLS Milwaukee is holding its 4th Annual Hope for the Holidays on Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. at Moct, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. The proceeds will go to helping children participating in the Family Reunification Program at Lad Lake's St. Rose Campus. The event features a silent auction, appetizers, drink specials, raffle prizes and more. For a raffle ticket, donate a hat or scarf, socks or undergarments for children ages 8 through 17. Tickets are $25 or $40 for two at wgirlshopeforholidays.charityhappenings.org.

Brad Germata would have turned 30 this year if he hadn't died of cancer in 2009. His friends in the art community organized the Celebrating Brad Foundation and have been giving money to the Medical College of Wisconsin and MIAD since. "2012 Celebrating Brad - A Tribute to Art & Life" is 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Flux Design, 811 E. Vienna Ave. Artists of the chili pot will bring on the heat; others will have cards for sale. Admission is $20.